how to remove the rail screws on a tikka t3x

how to remove the screws in a tikka t3x for the rail Picatinny or weaver style, they are NOT screws they are plugs with slots that make it look like a slotted screw. but it is in fact a plug. i know i used a hardened steel punch. but the preferred punch would have been a brass punch to help protect the threads. but the steel punch caused no damage.